Luminations

A strollable winter tradition lighting up our gardens

BECOME A MEMBER

Membership is a cost-effective way to visit often and support our important work. Please join our efforts to connect people to the natural world and create a more sustainable future.

EVENTS & CLASSES

Join us for one of our exciting classes, programs or events

Two oak trees, one with red leaves and one with green leaves against the blue sky

Embodying Presence Yoga Retreat

Friday, November 15

Two oak trees, one with red leaves and one with green leaves against the blue sky

Luminations

Select Days, Nov. 22 – Jan. 5

Elias pruning trees, by Bill Boyd

Tree Pruning

Saturday, November 16

Bluebonnet leaves coated with frost in the winter native plant PHOTO Bruce Leander

Winter Care for Native Plants

Saturday, November 23

FIND A PLANT

Discover the Native Plants of North America


GARDEN VIEWS

An inside glimpse of the gardens from our Instagram feed

Give the gift that keeps on blooming all year! A Wildflower Center gift membership is perfect for the nature lover in your life—providing free admission, discounts on classes and Luminations tickets, early access to plant sales, and so much more.

🌸 When you purchase by Dec. 10, your loved one will receive a beautiful enamel pin featuring the 2024 Wildflower of the Year, Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala)! 
 
Give a gift full of outdoor wonder and learning. 🌿 Tap the link in our bio to get started.
 
#StayWild #WildflowerCenter #HolidayGifts #SeasonOfGiving
It’s official: Athena’s highlight reel is here! 🦉 If you’ve missed watching our famous Great Horned Owl (𝘉𝘶𝘣𝘰 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴) matriarch in action, we’ve got you covered. This season’s best moments, from Athena caring for her two fluffy owlets to her mate’s dinner drop-offs, are all captured in a new video by our partners at @cornellbirdcams.
 
Head to the link in our bio to see the moments that grabbed the hearts of viewers around the world. 🪶 

Photo by Bill J. Boyd

@cornellbirds 
 
#WildflowerCenter #TexasWildlife #AthenaTheOwl #GreatHornedOwl
Today, in honor of Veterans Day, we’re offering free admission to active military and veterans. Just show your military ID to our kiosk staff. Thank you for your service! 

Can’t make it to the Wildflower Center today? We offer a $2 military discount all year long! 

Plan your visit at the link in our bio.

#WildflowerCenter #VeteransDay
One more chance to enjoy Tuesday Twilights for the season! Join us this week as the Carolyn Trowbridge Quartet (@carolyntrowbridgemusic) brings lively rhythms to the Courtyard, setting the perfect mood for an evening under the autumn sky. Wrapping up the season the best way we know how - with music, food, and nature! Reserve your spot at the link in our bio.

Here’s the lineup for Nov. 12, 5-8 p.m.:
🍴 FOOD: @konfusedesindianfoodtruck or @garboslobster
🍨 DESSERT: @dulcefridaatx
🍹 DRINK: Enjoy the featured cocktail, Tito’s Agua Fresca

Thanks to @titosvodka for sponsoring this event!

📸 @alitexas

#TuesdayTwilights #WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ATXHappyHour #ATXLiveMusic
During our annual vegetation surveys, teams of staff, students, and volunteers collect data that is essential to advancing ecological restoration techniques and demonstrating sustainable land management. 

Each survey season, we observe and record vegetation patterns, collecting information that contributes to over two decades of ecological research. As one of the University of Texas at Austin’s longest-running studies, this project helps us better understand the effects of land management practices, such as prescribed fire and mowing, on plant communities.

This work is a cornerstone of the Center’s mission, supporting healthier landscapes and informing practices that extend to other UT campuses.
 
Shout out to everyone who participated this fall!
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ScienceAndConservation #NativePlants
When you think "poinsettia," does your mind jump to bright red petals and holiday décor? Our native Texas poinsettia (𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘢 𝘤𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘢) brings a unique twist to the festive classic. Known as “fire on the mountain,” it shows off red-bracted leaves and tiny greenish-yellow flowers from April through November—no holiday season required! 

Texas poinsettia is a member of the spurge family (𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘦) and boasts a unique optical illusion. The red color comes from pigmented leaves, creating the illusion of a single, red flower. Unlike the non-native poinsettia, this variety is hardy and low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, an excellent accent for Texas gardens. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant once established for eco-friendly landscaping!

Feeling inspired? Join us on Nov. 9 for a Watercolor Workshop or on Nov. 10 for our Holiday Cards with Alcohol Inks class—a chance to create your own botanical-inspired greeting cards. Visit the link in our bio or wildflower.org/events to reserve your spot!

📸 Wildflower Center

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild
This month, step into calmness and reconnect with nature at the Wildflower Center. Join us on Nov. 10 for Family Yoga, bring strength and flow to your week with Yoga FIT on Mondays ($12 per person), or dive deeper with our Embodying Presence Yoga Retreat on Nov. 15. 

For dates, details, and our full class lineup, visit the link in our bio or wildflower.org/events. Members receive a discount!

📷: Cynthia Bernard, aka @atxyogagirl 

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ATXYogaClasses
In the spirit of Election Day, we’ve discovered a plant where wildlife is casting some “votes”! Meet Salvia ballotiflora (yes, ballot-iflora), or shrubby blue sage, a fall-blooming beauty with deep blue blossoms that light up the garden in cooler months.
 
The bees have been having their own election here. Carpenter bees seem to prefer the longer blooms of Salvia ballotiflora. Meanwhile, nearby mealy blue sage (Salvia farinacea), a more compact plant, has earned the exclusive favor of Sonoran bumblebees.
 
Remember to cast your vote today and stop by our Theme Gardens or the Family Garden to see these “pollinator polls” in action. 🌸🐝
 
Learn more about Salvia ballotiflora at the link in our bio.
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #SalviaBallotiflora #ShrubbyBlueSage #MealyBlueSage #NativePlants #ElectionDay
🍂 Cool breezes are finally headed our way, just in time for Tuesday Twilights tomorrow, Nov. 5! Last week’s dog-themed night was a blast with dancing, live music, and some adorable pups in costume. 🐾✨
 
This Tuesday, enjoy the fresh air and cooler temps while you explore Fortlandia, groove to live tunes, and savor bites and drinks under the sunset. Just two more chances to join us this fall—don’t miss out!
 
Nov. 5 lineup:
🎶 MUSIC – @tylerjohnkraehling 
🍴 FOOD – @ikenaves1 , @craigositalian & @dulcefridaatx 
🍹 DRINK – Tito’s Spicy Watermelon for the 21+ crowd
 
More details at the link in our bio.
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #TuesdayTwilights #Fortlandia #ATXHappyHour
Be sure to keep an eye out for Monarchs on your next visit! Our Nectar Garden is buzzing with activity as these travelers stop by to fuel up on their journey south, gracing the gardens with an extra touch of magic. ✨

You can drop in to get a close-up look at this endangered species at our Power the Migration exhibit in the Little House. Visit the link in our bio for more ways you can support Monarchs in Texas and beyond.

📸: Bill J. Boyd

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #MonarchMigration
Give the gift that keeps on blooming all year! A Wildflower Center gift membership is perfect for the nature lover in your life—providing free admission, discounts on classes and Luminations tickets, early access to plant sales, and so much more.

🌸 When you purchase by Dec. 10, your loved one will receive a beautiful enamel pin featuring the 2024 Wildflower of the Year, Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala)! 
 
Give a gift full of outdoor wonder and learning. 🌿 Tap the link in our bio to get started.
 
#StayWild #WildflowerCenter #HolidayGifts #SeasonOfGiving
It’s official: Athena’s highlight reel is here! 🦉 If you’ve missed watching our famous Great Horned Owl (𝘉𝘶𝘣𝘰 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴) matriarch in action, we’ve got you covered. This season’s best moments, from Athena caring for her two fluffy owlets to her mate’s dinner drop-offs, are all captured in a new video by our partners at @cornellbirdcams.
 
Head to the link in our bio to see the moments that grabbed the hearts of viewers around the world. 🪶 

Photo by Bill J. Boyd

@cornellbirds 
 
#WildflowerCenter #TexasWildlife #AthenaTheOwl #GreatHornedOwl
Today, in honor of Veterans Day, we’re offering free admission to active military and veterans. Just show your military ID to our kiosk staff. Thank you for your service! 

Can’t make it to the Wildflower Center today? We offer a $2 military discount all year long! 

Plan your visit at the link in our bio.

#WildflowerCenter #VeteransDay
One more chance to enjoy Tuesday Twilights for the season! Join us this week as the Carolyn Trowbridge Quartet (@carolyntrowbridgemusic) brings lively rhythms to the Courtyard, setting the perfect mood for an evening under the autumn sky. Wrapping up the season the best way we know how - with music, food, and nature! Reserve your spot at the link in our bio.

Here’s the lineup for Nov. 12, 5-8 p.m.:
🍴 FOOD: @konfusedesindianfoodtruck or @garboslobster
🍨 DESSERT: @dulcefridaatx
🍹 DRINK: Enjoy the featured cocktail, Tito’s Agua Fresca

Thanks to @titosvodka for sponsoring this event!

📸 @alitexas

#TuesdayTwilights #WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ATXHappyHour #ATXLiveMusic
During our annual vegetation surveys, teams of staff, students, and volunteers collect data that is essential to advancing ecological restoration techniques and demonstrating sustainable land management. 

Each survey season, we observe and record vegetation patterns, collecting information that contributes to over two decades of ecological research. As one of the University of Texas at Austin’s longest-running studies, this project helps us better understand the effects of land management practices, such as prescribed fire and mowing, on plant communities.

This work is a cornerstone of the Center’s mission, supporting healthier landscapes and informing practices that extend to other UT campuses.
 
Shout out to everyone who participated this fall!
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ScienceAndConservation #NativePlants
When you think "poinsettia," does your mind jump to bright red petals and holiday décor? Our native Texas poinsettia (𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘢 𝘤𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘢) brings a unique twist to the festive classic. Known as “fire on the mountain,” it shows off red-bracted leaves and tiny greenish-yellow flowers from April through November—no holiday season required! 

Texas poinsettia is a member of the spurge family (𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘦) and boasts a unique optical illusion. The red color comes from pigmented leaves, creating the illusion of a single, red flower. Unlike the non-native poinsettia, this variety is hardy and low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, an excellent accent for Texas gardens. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant once established for eco-friendly landscaping!

Feeling inspired? Join us on Nov. 9 for a Watercolor Workshop or on Nov. 10 for our Holiday Cards with Alcohol Inks class—a chance to create your own botanical-inspired greeting cards. Visit the link in our bio or wildflower.org/events to reserve your spot!

📸 Wildflower Center

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild
This month, step into calmness and reconnect with nature at the Wildflower Center. Join us on Nov. 10 for Family Yoga, bring strength and flow to your week with Yoga FIT on Mondays ($12 per person), or dive deeper with our Embodying Presence Yoga Retreat on Nov. 15. 

For dates, details, and our full class lineup, visit the link in our bio or wildflower.org/events. Members receive a discount!

📷: Cynthia Bernard, aka @atxyogagirl 

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ATXYogaClasses
In the spirit of Election Day, we’ve discovered a plant where wildlife is casting some “votes”! Meet Salvia ballotiflora (yes, ballot-iflora), or shrubby blue sage, a fall-blooming beauty with deep blue blossoms that light up the garden in cooler months.
 
The bees have been having their own election here. Carpenter bees seem to prefer the longer blooms of Salvia ballotiflora. Meanwhile, nearby mealy blue sage (Salvia farinacea), a more compact plant, has earned the exclusive favor of Sonoran bumblebees.
 
Remember to cast your vote today and stop by our Theme Gardens or the Family Garden to see these “pollinator polls” in action. 🌸🐝
 
Learn more about Salvia ballotiflora at the link in our bio.
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #SalviaBallotiflora #ShrubbyBlueSage #MealyBlueSage #NativePlants #ElectionDay
🍂 Cool breezes are finally headed our way, just in time for Tuesday Twilights tomorrow, Nov. 5! Last week’s dog-themed night was a blast with dancing, live music, and some adorable pups in costume. 🐾✨
 
This Tuesday, enjoy the fresh air and cooler temps while you explore Fortlandia, groove to live tunes, and savor bites and drinks under the sunset. Just two more chances to join us this fall—don’t miss out!
 
Nov. 5 lineup:
🎶 MUSIC – @tylerjohnkraehling 
🍴 FOOD – @ikenaves1 , @craigositalian & @dulcefridaatx 
🍹 DRINK – Tito’s Spicy Watermelon for the 21+ crowd
 
More details at the link in our bio.
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #TuesdayTwilights #Fortlandia #ATXHappyHour
Be sure to keep an eye out for Monarchs on your next visit! Our Nectar Garden is buzzing with activity as these travelers stop by to fuel up on their journey south, gracing the gardens with an extra touch of magic. ✨

You can drop in to get a close-up look at this endangered species at our Power the Migration exhibit in the Little House. Visit the link in our bio for more ways you can support Monarchs in Texas and beyond.

📸: Bill J. Boyd

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #MonarchMigration

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EXPLORE MORE

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Illustration of compound leaves and round yellow flowers goldenball lead tree (Leucaena retusa)

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Snow-on-the-prairie and a paper wasp; because it's a UVIVF image, the centers of the flowers stand out in blue against a plant that looks purple, and clumps of pollen shine bright white.

Not Cutting It

Why No Mow May isn’t enough to change lawn culture

Big white bluestem prickly poppy blooms above purple blooms of prairie verbena along a concrete path.

Go Big Red

Fans rally to conserve a rare sage